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The differences between readers and meter technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a reader has an average salary of $51,782, which is higher than the $42,393 average annual salary of a meter technician.
The top three skills for a reader include windows, language arts and computer screens. The most important skills for a meter technician are water meters, gas meters, and troubleshoot.
The duties of a reader depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. In the electric power industry, they are responsible for reading meters using tools and equipment to determine a household or establishment's utility bill. On the other hand, in publishing companies, a reader is in charge of proofreading written materials to prepare them for publishing procedures. Furthermore, there are instances when a reader may work at learning institutions and other private offices, providing clerical support tasks such as preparing and processing documents, reviewing files, and producing progress reports as needed.
A meter technician is in charge of installing and maintaining electric meters that measure the electricity consumption of houses and establishments. Part of their job is to travel to different sites and conduct prior assessments before installation, liaise with property owners or representatives, and maintain records of transactions. They may also handle and investigate issues, respond to high bill complaints, inspect systems to identify any damages, troubleshoot problems, and perform repairs or replacements as necessary.
Readers and meter technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Reader | Meter Technician | |
| Average salary | $51,782 | $42,393 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $106,000 | Between $27,000 And $64,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | Bremerton, WA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | UMiami Health System | EOG Resources |
| Best paying industry | - | Utilities |
There are a few differences between a reader and a meter technician in terms of educational background:
| Reader | Meter Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | High School Diploma, 37% |
| Most common major | English | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between readers' and meter technicians' demographics:
| Reader | Meter Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 35.7% Female, 64.3% | Male, 88.7% Female, 11.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.9% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.3% Asian, 1.5% White, 74.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | Black or African American, 11.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 1.6% White, 72.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |